Long-tailed paradise whydah

Birds of Namibia

Introduction: Mopane woodland, dry, open savannah
with scattered bushes and trees such as Acacia woodland and rural gardens are
the main habitats of the long-tailed paradise-whydah (Vidua paradisaea).
This is a gregarious species with larger flocks of up to 100 birds common in the
non-breeding season.

Diet:
Forages on paths, roadsides and along tracks and other patches of bare ground
for mainly grass seeds such as millet used for cattle fodder. Also eats insects
such as earthworms, spiders and moths.

Description: Golden yellow nape and sides of the neck with
a black head. Upper parts parts, tail and wing black.

Breeding: Breeds mainly in the nest of the green-winged
pytilia. Females lay 3 or 4 eggs from January to June, incubated for around 11
days.